Center Global Security Research; CGSR Undergraduate Research Associate - Summer

Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) Undergraduate Research Associate – Summer 2026 Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place. We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission focus areas.

$22.80 - $31.00 Hourly. This position is under a step structure. Please note that the step is determined by your academic level. Transcripts are required.

The Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) was established at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1996 to bring together experts from the science, technology, and policy communities to address pressing national security challenges. For over 20 years, CGSR has engaged diverse perspectives on topics important to national security, deterrence, diplomacy, dual‑use technology, arms control, nonproliferation, space, cyber, biosecurity, and energy security.

We have openings in Summer 2026 for undergraduate students to engage in practical research on global security topics. Students will work with CGSR over the duration of three to four months as a research associate (RA). RAs will engage in practical research to further their educational and career goals while also supporting the development of strategies for national security and LLNL’s mission focus areas.

Examples of relevant fields of research include nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, space, biological & chemical security, and energy security.

CGSR’s Objectives are as follows:

• To explore the dynamics of potential 21st century strategic conflicts (i.e., those with a potential nuclear aspect) and to formulate ideas about how to achieve U.S. deterrence and other objectives in such conflicts.
• To explore the sources and characteristics of strategic competition in the emerging security environment and to formulate organizing concepts to enhance the competitive position of the United States and its allies and partners over the long term.
• To identify whether and how technically based approaches can address new challenges to national and international security.
• To catalyze broader national and international thinking about the requirements of effective deterrence, assurance, and strategic stability in a changed and changing security environment.
• To assist in the development of new generations of experts motivated by a clear view of the changed and changing security environment.

This job will be closed to applicants on February 1, 2026.

• Conduct an independent research project on an agreed upon topic aligned with CGSR/LLNL research priorities under the supervision of CGSR staff.
• Support CGSR/LLNL through contributions to ongoing research activities. Tasks may include contributing to literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and workshop summary reports.
• Attend relevant research seminars, speakers’ series, and workshops.
• Present research to LLNL staff at end of the assignment.
• Prepare end‑of‑ report or publication.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or have completed an AA/AS degree in a field of research aligned with CGSR analytic priorities. Areas of study include international relations and/or security, political science, economics, public policy, emerging technologies, nonproliferation, energy, biosecurity, foreign language studies, or related fields.
• Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement in…